explanatory

[ik-splan-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ɪkˈsplæn əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

ADJECTIVE

descriptive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

analytical informative interpretive supplementary

WEAK

allegorical annotative critical declarative demonstrative diagrammatic discursive elucidatory enlightening exegetic exegetical explicative expositional expository graphic guiding hermeneutic illuminative illustrative informing instructive justifying summary

Antonyms

WEAK

confusing mysterious obscure perplexing puzzling vague

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To be sure, the predictor is not a short-term market-timing tool; its greatest explanatory power exists at the 10-year horizon.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Shaffer succeeds in this regard, but the wordy play grows cumbersome in its final explanatory stages.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

While at the Tribune, Heather was part of a team that won the 2015 Gerald Loeb Award for explanatory reporting for a series on Chicago’s municipal debt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

"We propose three explanatory hypotheses for discussion," says Güllich.

From Science Daily • Dec. 21, 2025

I’ve never heard of them before, but the name is self- explanatory.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Vocabulary lists containing explanatory

Common Core Grades 7–8, List 4

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Common Core Grade 6, List 4

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Common Core Grades 9–10, List 4

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!